Killimor dig deep to preserve hopes of All-Ireland success

Killimor 2-9O’Donovan Rossa 0-12

Eoghan Cormican at Duggan Park

KILLIMOR are on their way back to Croke Park for a second All-Ireland camogie club final appearance in little over three weeks time, but only after surviving one of their greatest ever examinations at Duggan Park on Sunday.

Those who have followed Killimor since their maiden County final success in the autumn of 2010 are well accustomed to seeing the black and amber stickwomen dictate the pace of proceedings, toy almost with their opponents during the opening period, then push the acceleration button on the re-start and its game over. This was a different story,however, so very, very different.

Tommy Callagy’s charges were outplayed, outmuscled and outfought for the entire opening 30 minutes and when they eventually hit stride early in the second half, they were never allowed more than a two point cushion. Moreover, there was to be no flurry of scores from the likes of Martina Conroy and Brenda Hanney at the death, instead, we witnessed a crowded Killimor goalmouth hanging on for dear life.

Killimor, though, in a shinning testament to their unwavering hunger and resilience, pulled through and a trip to GAA HQ is just reward. Other teams, including the Killimor of old, would have wilted in the face of unrelenting O’Donovan Rossa pressure, not this current crop however. The class of 2013 simply wanted it too much.

When things went against Killimor in the opening half, it is to their credit that they didn’t panic, didn’t drop the collective head. The necessary inspiration was sourced and they managed to keep O’Donovan Rossa in sight, if only just. Aisling Brehony’s second half goal was undoubtedly the game’s defining score, but the importance of Susan Keane’s ground stroke approaching half-time cannot be overstated. The timing was near perfection.

In the many post-mortems that were conducted up north this week, the O’Donovan Rossa players will be at odds as to how they dominated the first half, yet were only two points clear at the interval. Normally, that would have been a satisfying situation to take into the break but not on this occasion. Having led by four points on two separate occasions, the visitors squandered a glorious goal opening shortly after the quarter hour and paid the price when Keane whipped to the net on 27 minutes, reducing the deficit to 0-8 to 1-3.

They would have expected a Killimor surge on the re-start and the Galway champions certainly didn’t disappoint, reeling off four answered points between the 31st and 38th minute – Ann Marie Hayes, Susan Keane and Martina Conroy the providers.

For more, read this week's Connacht Tribune.